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Very few cities in the world are instantly recognisable by their landmarks or whose name alone will conjure up the imagination, quiet like London. A top LGBTQIA+ destination that is both gay-friendly and steeped in history. London, with its picturesque skyline and many monuments, statues, museums, and landmarks that could fill up an Instagram account, so it comes as no surprise as to why London consistently ranks in the top ten of the most visited destinations in the world each year. London never fails to disappoint and will always leave people wanting more. Visitors to London often quickly realise that there is not enough time to explore this exceptional city, many opting instead to stay for longer and to use it as a base to explore all that the United Kingdom has to offer. Even though London is one of the most documented and photographed cities, personally visiting the sights and scenes makes most people fall in love with this diverse European city that has been around for thousands of years.
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All published articles are intended for an audience aged 18 years and over and have been written by members of the general public. Many will likely not be journalists nor be affiliated with any professional bodies associated with members of the media. The articles will likely be based on the authors' own opinions, views, and experiences...more
Located in Northern Europe, London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, and it is one of the largest cities in Europe. It is located in an area of 607 square miles or 1,6 thousand square kilometres, with a population of over 8.8 million, 32 boroughs, and one ceremonial county, all of which contribute to making it a large European metropolis. The city has a long and ancient history and has been inhabited
for thousands of years, with remnants of its past found in the city, such as the London Wall or the Temple of Mithras built by the Romans. London has long been an important and strategically situated city, being built around the river Thames, which is the second largest river in the UK and is home to the second largest flood barrier in Europe, known as the Thames Barrier, the river over the centuries helped to make London a major global city.
Some interesting facts you might not know:
Some interesting facts you might not know:
- London is one of the most recognisable city names in the world. It is believed that the modern name is derived from Latin; however, did you know that before the Roman occupation, the city was known as Lundenwic, which meant London trading town in Anglo-Saxon? The true meaning or origins of the term is unclear, but we know it evolved from Londinium, the name the Romans called the city, and it is believed to have been interpreted from the native name. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the name was later changed to Lundenburg and, over time, became known as London. The city has had a lot of nicknames over the years, including the Big Smoke, LDN, the Square Mile, the Old Smoke, the City of Dreams, Cockney Town, the Global Village and the City of Spires.
- London is old, really old. When the Romans conquered Britain in AD43, under the rule of Emperor Claudius, they established the trading settlement of Londinium on the north bank of the River Thames. Though built on the modern site of the city, people have been inhabiting the area for a long time before the Romans, and Archaeologists have found evidence of civilisation since 4000 BC. Human remains and tools prove that people have been living in settlements and villages in London and the surrounding areas for thousands of years since the New Stone Age.
- London is green. With over 3,000 parks, 2,000 species of flowering plants, and 8 million trees, the city could be classified as a forest under the UN definition. As over 20% of London is covered in trees, the city has almost as many trees as residents. The green space is so crucial to the city that it has a forestry conservator known as the London Urban Forest Partnership.
- London is enormous, and its population is similar to a small country. When people think of London, they typically think of Westminster and the city of London, but London is much bigger. Since the 19th century, the name London has been used to refer to the metropolitan region. London or Greater London, which is the name of the administrative region, is both a city and an area which occupies a space of 607 square miles or 1572 square kilometres and contains 32 London boroughs, as well as the financial district known as the City of London and is home to over 9 million people. London is the largest city in the United Kingdom and for most of Europe (excluding Turkey and Russia)
- As the seat of one of the world’s largest empires, it is no surprise that London is a diverse city. Over the centuries, London has attracted immigrants from around the world, from the Huguenots in the 17th century to the colonies in the 20th century from Ireland, the Caribbean, Africa, China, and others from all over the world. London is so diverse that more than 300 languages are spoken across the city.
- More than the UK’s capital city. During the Second World War, London became the governing capital city for France, Belgium, Poland, Norway and the Netherlands, as the exiled leaders from the occupied countries, such as the French president, Charles De Gaulle, made London their home and the governing capitals for their nations at varying times throughout the period 1939 to 1945.
- London’s exact centre is marked by a plaque found in Westminster, at the church of St Martin’s in the Fields, next to Trafalgar Square. Take a trip to London’s Greenwich Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the meridian line, which represents a longitude of zero. Every place on earth is measured by longitude (east to west) and latitude (north to south), and since 1884, Greenwich has acted as the prime meridian. It is also the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which it was known as for over 300 years, as well as Coordinated Universal Mean Time (UMT)
- London has a lot of culture, arts and entertainment. The city has over 170 museums, with some of the world’s best museums, art galleries, and collections. The bonus is that many of the museums offer free entry to visitors. The city has six world-renowned orchestras and three opera houses.
- London has the world’s oldest underground rail network. The London Underground, or Tube, opened to the public in 1863, where steam engines transported passengers on the limited network. The engines were replaced in 1890 with electric trains, and today, the London underground plays a vital role in the city’s transport infrastructure. The 250-mile or 402-kilometre network runs on 11 lines and 272 stations, transporting over 3 million passengers daily. Though called an underground network, over half of the network runs overground, and the network is so old that a special breed of mosquito, known as Culex Pipiens Molestus, has evolved to live in the London Underground.
- Water still plays an important role within the city. Visitors to London will often take a riverboat to see the city from the waterways, but did you know that in addition to the River Thames, twenty subterranean rivers flow under London? The main river, the River Thames, is the longest in England; it runs from the village Kemble in Gloucestershire and runs from the west to the east of London, dividing the north from the south of the city. The river is home to over 125 species of fish, accounts for two-thirds of London’s drinking water, which is treated, splits into two sections (tidal and non-tidal) and runs a total of 215 miles or 346 kilometres. You can cross the river by any of the 200 bridges, and it has the longest river walk in Europe, known as the Thames Path, and is an 184-mile or 296-kilometre trail.
- The UK Parliament meets within a palace. The two chambers of government, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, are located within the Palace of Westminster. The Grade I and UNESCO-listed Palace is situated on the banks of the river Thames and has over 1,000 rooms, 4,000 stained glass windows, stunning statues, shields, paintings, sculptures, a pub, a hair salon, a gym, post office, travel office, gift shops and the Jubilee Cafe. The Palace of Westminster was originally a royal residence commissioned by Edward the Confessor in 1045. It later became the home of the UK’s government, and the original palace was destroyed by two major fires in 1834. It was rebuilt to become the iconic and impressive building in the London skyline.
- Big Ben is a nickname. The Elizabeth Tower is the name of the large clock tower in the Palace of Westminster. The gold leaf-painted tower was renamed from the Clock Tower to the Elizabeth Tower to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2023. The building took 34 years to complete, and the 316-foot or 96-meter-tall tower first chimed in 1859 and became the world’s largest and most accurate chiming clock. The nickname of Big Ben is not for the clock but instead for the great bell, the large bell that makes the Great Clock of Westminster.
London is located in northern Europe and the southern part of the United Kingdom and Great Britain. Though an island, London and the UK are surprisingly well connected and act as hubs from and to many international destinations. With a dedicated fast train that connects London to mainland Europe, known as the Eurostar, countless ferries to Western Europe, Ireland and outer islands and five airports offering domestic and international flights, London is easy and often affordable to visit by train, air or sea. The average journey time to most parts of Europe is around 2 hours, and it will typically take less than 7 hours from North America, with many direct and indirect routes available. .
BY AIR
BY AIR
- London is surrounded by five domestic and international airports (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, London Luton, and London City)
- London Heathrow Airport (///dame.grin.simply – LHR (IATA) | EGLL (ICAO)) is an international airport with five terminals and is the busiest airport in Europe. The airport is located 23 kilometres or 14 miles west of central London and serves an average of 550 flights each day and 80 million passengers every year. The airport is the main international hub for the national carrier British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as some of the largest airline operators in the world. The most popular method of getting to the airport is via train using the Heathrow Express. The train takes an average of 20 minutes and runs from the airport to London Paddington Station. There are usually four trains per hour, running every 15 minutes, and trains start from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days a week. The airport is also served by the London Underground and is on the Piccadilly Line, which takes less than one hour, and the Elizabeth Line, which is a high-frequency hybrid rail service that connects London and its suburbs and takes an average of 30 minutes. Twelve bus routes and services (routes 105, 111, 278, 285, 350, 423, 482, 490, A10, U3, SL7, SL9) operated by Transport for London are available to various parts of London; however, most would require you to make one or two changes to get to central London. Private hire vehicles (metered) are available at the taxi rank in front of Schiphol Plaza, and journeys to the inner city from the airport typically take approximately 50 minutes and cost anything from £40, depending on the time of day and your destination.
- London Gatwick Airport (///bride.coins.occurs – LGW (IATA) | EGKK (ICAO)) is an international airport with two terminals and is the second major airport in London. The airport is 48 kilometres or 30 miles south of central London and serves an average of 800 flights daily and 30 million passengers annually. The airport is the secondary UK hub for the national carrier British Airways, the largest hub for EasyJet, and many European airlines, including TUI Airways, Vueling and Wizz Air. The most popular method of getting to the airport is via train using the Gatwick Express. The train takes an average of 30 minutes and runs from the airport to London Victoria Station. There are usually four trains per hour, running every 15 minutes, and trains start from 5 a.m. until 10.30 p.m., seven days a week. A number of train operators run services from London and the surrounding areas to the Airport, including a frequent train service from London Bridge station. The London Underground is unavailable at the airport; however, a coach service runs from London Victoria to the airport via the National Express operator. The journey takes an average of one and a half hours. Private hire vehicles (unmetered) are available by booking online or from within the airport terminal, and journeys to the inner city from the airport typically take approximately 1 hour and cost anything from £40, depending on the time of day and your destination.
- London Stanstead Airport (///stoops.amount.smarting – STN (IATA) | EGSS (ICAO)) is an international airport with one terminal and is the fourth busiest airport in the UK. The airport is located 68 kilometres or 42 miles northeast of central London and serves an average of 600 flights each day and 27 million passengers every year. The airport is the largest hub for the low-cost carrier Ryanair, which offers routes to over 100 destinations, as well as Jet2, TUI Airways, and other large airline operators who combined have routes to over 160 destinations across Europe, Asia and Africa. The most popular method of getting to the airport is via train using the Stanstead Express. The train takes an average of 50 minutes and runs from the airport to London Liverpool Station, in the heart of London’s Financial district known as the City. There are usually four trains per hour, running every 15 minutes during peak times, and two trains per hour during off-peak times. The trains operate from 4 a.m. until 12 a.m., seven days a week. The London Underground is not available at the airport; however, there is a coach service that runs from London Victoria and London Stratford to the airport via the National Express operator, and the journey takes an average of one hour. Private hire vehicles (unmetered) are available by booking online or from within the airport terminal, and journeys to the inner city from the airport typically take approximately one hour and cost anything from £60, depending on the time of day and your destination.
- London Luton Airport (///metro.share.settle – LTN (IATA) | EGGW (ICAO)) is an international airport with one terminal and is the fifth busiest airport in the UK. The airport is 56 kilometres or 35 miles north of central London and serves an average of 175 flights daily and 13 million passengers annually. The airport acts as a hub for a number of carriers, including EasyJet, Ryanair UK, TUI Airways, Wizz Air UK, and DHL Aviation, all offering routes to over 126 destinations. The most popular method of getting to the airport is via train using the Luton Airport Express. The train takes an average of 32 minutes and runs from the airport to London St Pancras Station, and trains run every 30 minutes. The trains operate from 5.30 a.m. until 10 p.m., seven days a week. The London Underground is not available at the airport; however, there is a coach service that runs from London Victoria to the airport via the National Express operator, and the journey takes an average of one and a half hours. Private hire vehicles (unmetered) are available by booking online or from within the airport terminal, and journeys to the inner city from the airport typically take approximately one hour and cost anything from £60, depending on the time of day and your destination.
- London City Airport (///sleep.switch.found – LTN (IATA) | EGGW (ICAO)) is an international airport with one terminal and is the closet airport to the city centre. The airport is 9.7 kilometres or 6 miles east of central London and serves an average of 98 daily flights and 3 million passengers annually. The airport acts as a hub for BA CityFlyer and a city destination for a number of carriers, including British Airways and Swiss International Air Lines, offering routers to 30 destinations. The most popular method of getting to the airport is via the Docklands Light Railway, which connects the east, south-east and Central London. The train takes an average of 20 minutes and runs from the airport to London City (from Bank Station (London) or Stratford International), and trains run every 8 to 15 minutes. The trains operate from 5.30 a.m. until 12.30 a.m., seven days a week. Private hire vehicles (metered and unmetered) are available by booking online or from within the airport terminal, and journeys to the inner city from the airport typically take approximately 20 minutes and cost anything from £40, depending on the time of day and your destination.
- London Tilbury Cruise Terminal (///lakes.boat.rising) is the third busiest cruise port in London and the closest to the city centre. Many major cruise lines, including Ambassador Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and P&O cruise liners, and the port provides services to both sea and river cruise operators. The port typically sees an average of over 100,000 cruise passengers yearly, with over 60 sea cruise ships making a port of call at the terminal. The terminal is located in Tilbury in the county of Essex and is 28 miles or 45 kilometres east of central London. A train service connects London Tilbury with the city centre, where the journey takes an average of 45 minutes and runs on average every 20 minutes from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days a week. The port has a number of amenities, including a passenger lounge and a kiosk selling snacks and hot and cold beverages.
- Southampton Cruise Centre (///strain.scouts.just) is the largest cruise port in the UK and the fourth largest cruise port in Europe. Many major cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean International and Princess Cruises, use the cruise terminal, and the port provides services to both sea and river cruise operators. The port typically sees an average of over 2 million cruise passengers yearly, with over 500 cruise ships making a port of call at the terminal. The terminal is located southwest of central London and is 84 miles or 135 kilometres, with the train service being the most popular method of transportation. The Southampton Cruise Centre is within walking distance of the train station, which can take one to two hours depending on whether it is a fast train route, and trains run approximately every 25 minutes. The port offers a range of amenities, including waiting lounges, car parking facilities, convenience stores, food outlets, vending machines, onsite porters, baggage drop-off and collection services, Wi-Fi, and a tourist information service.
- Across Greater London, there are 334 train stations, and 10 of them act as terminals or hubs. The ten stations in order are London Bridge, London Charing Cross, London Euston, London Fenchurch Street, London King’s Cross, London Liverpool Street, London Paddington, London St Pancras, London Victoria, London Waterloo, which connect London to the surrounding areas and cities across England, Scotland and Wales.
- For Intercity destinations
- London Euston runs intercity services to Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow in Scotland.
- London Kings Cross runs intercity services to Doncaster, Leeds, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Edinburgh in Scotland.
- London Liverpool Street runs intercity services to Cambridge and Norwich
- London Paddington runs intercity services to Bath, Bristol, Exeter in the UK, Cardiff and Swindon in Wales.
- London St Pancras International (///legend.hips.exam) is the only international station in the city centre that offers routes to mainline Europe. The station is the main hub or terminal for Eurostar, which is an international high-speed rail service that connects the UK with Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The train runs across the Kent countryside in the UK and goes through the Channel Tunnel, which was opened in 1994 and travels beneath the English Channel for over 50.5 kilometres or 31.8 miles and exists in Calais, France, allowing onward travel to a number of Western European cities including, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne. Over 20 million travellers annually, and trains typically run every 30 minutes from 5.30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, visit the Eurostar website (https://www.eurostar.com)
- The main bus station in London is known as the Victoria Coach Station, close to London Victoria Train Station (///cook.twist.rope), which sees over 14 million passengers and over 470 thousand coach movements each year. Many intercity and international coach services run to and from major European cities. Five operators (BlaBlaBus, Flixbus, Megabus, National Express, and Sinbad Coaches) provide intercity coach transportation from London to various destinations in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Poland. For more information and to view the different international routes available, visit BlaBlaBus (https://www.blablacar.co.uk/), Flixbus (https://www.flixbus.co.uk/) and Sinbad Coaches (https://www.sindbad.pl/en/home)
Interactive Airport Terminal Maps
Discover the interactive travel maps on Gayther. Zoom in and click on individual stations, see all of the lines and much more
London has an extensive public transport infrastructure. There are many options for getting around, including buses, boats, trains, and the London Underground. The Tube, as it is known, is the most popular method for getting around the city; with over five million people using the network each day and an average wait time of five minutes, the underground connects nearly all of the city. On warmer, dryer days, people often rent a bike and cycle around the city. Over the years, local authorities have introduced many dedicated cycle lanes and car-free zones, which can usually be a fun way to see the city. For those wishing to rent a bike, Transport for London has a guide to bike rental locations (https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles).
- All of London’s public transportation is cashless. It requires either purchasing an Oyster card and topping it up before travelling or purchasing pre-paid tickets on the day at specific ticket machines, locations, or online. The London Public Transport system works within a zone system, with zones ranging from one to eight. Zone one is typically the most expensive, as it covers central London and many of the key attractions and business districts and is one of the most popular and visited zones. The zoning then operates as an expanding circle, where the further you travel outside the city centre, the higher the zone number. The Oyster Card can be used on all public transportation and only works within the zones from one through six. If you plan to visit Zones Seven and Eight or to leave Greater London, you can either purchase a ticket for the entire journey or use your Oyster Card for the journey until the Zone 6 boundary and then buy a ticket from Zone 6 to your final destination. For pre-paid tickets, if you are travelling in a large group or are planning to travel often, it can be worthwhile obtaining a group discount or investing in a railcard to get a discount, which typically offers 1/3 off the ticket price. Visitors to the city can purchase an Oyster Card with an initial £5 deposit and top up the card with a minimum amount of £5. The Oyster works as a pay-as-you-go, meaning you will pay for each journey up to a daily cap of £11.70 or £58.50 for a week. It is often the most cost-efficient method for getting around the city, and once you hit the cap, you can continue using the transport network; however, you will no longer be charged for any additional journeys. For more information about the Visitors Oyster card, click here to visit the website (https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card)
- The London Underground consists of 11 lines and 272 stations with over 402 kilometres or 250 miles of track. The Tube is the oldest underground railway system and one of the busiest in the world, and today, over five million people use the system daily. The network runs east to west, north to south, with the Docklands Light Railway covering a small section of South East London. The Tube connects many key areas but often requires a short walk to some key city attractions. Each line has a unique name and colour, and trains are frequent every 5 minutes during the daytime. The London Underground operates daily from 5 a.m. to 1200 a.m., and there are various methods for purchasing tickets, from travel cards (Oyster) to in-app purchasing via the Transport for London (TFL) app. You can buy tickets at TFL Ticket vending machines found at stations and service points throughout the city (https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/oyster-ticket-stops)
- The train network, known as the London Overground, is a suburban commuter rail system with six lines, 113 stations, and 167 kilometres or 104 miles of track. The electric rail system spans Greater London and its boroughs; on average, there are four trains on each line each hour. The network operates from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., seven days a week. Similar to other public transportation, the Oyster card can be used for journeys from zones 1-6, and there are various methods for purchasing tickets, from travel cards (Oyster) to in-app purchasing via the Transport for London (TFL) app. You can buy tickets at TFL Ticket vending machines found at stations and service points throughout the city (https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/oyster-ticket-stops), and for more information about train schedules and journey planners, visit the National Rail website (https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)
- The bus network covers Greater London and is operated by seventeen bus operators in different areas of the city. The bus network has 675 routes, 52-night buses, 19,000 bus stops and 9,300 vehicles, which supports almost 6 million daily commuters. With dedicated bus lanes and a planned super loop service, which will connect all of the outer parts of the boroughs in a loop, the bus network is convenient. It covers all of the areas, including those with limited transport options. For more information about the London Bus Network, please visit the TFL website (https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/bus)
- London’s official licenced metered taxis are known as black cabs and are iconic and a common site across the capital. There are over 21,000 black cabs in London, and they are the only private hire service in which you can legally hail and pick up from the street or designated taxi ranks typically found outside major train stations, airports and key attractions. You can determine by the light located on the front part of the roof and whether the yellow light is switched on, which means you can hail the cab, hop in and head off to your chosen destination. There is a minimum fare of £3.80 regardless of how far you travel, and the meter will increase by distance travelled or by time, whichever is greater. Other non-metered private hire vehicle options are available; however, you must call, use an app, or book in advance. For more information, visit the TFL website (https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/taxis-and-minicabs/book-a-taxi). Services such as Uber, Bolt, BlaBla, and Gett also operate in London.
Interactive London UNDERGROUND
Discover the interactive travel maps on Gayther. Zoom in and learn more about individual stations, all of the lines and much more
London offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to comfortable hostels. The price and range will vary depending on the suburb and distance to the main attractions. The average cost per night in the city is around 200 UK Pounds, and over one hundred thousand hotel beds are available across the city. With the city’s extensive transport infrastructure, staying outside the city centre is also viable. Most hotel providers will include the Value Added Tax or VAT at 20% on all accommodation in the UK; however, you will likely not have to pay any additional costs when checking out.
- The Z Hotel Piccadilly (///foal.lows.jumpy) is located in Westminster in the west end of London. The hotel’s central location is close to many London attractions and is a short walk from Leicester Square and its budding nightlife. The Z Hotel offers 112 affordable air-conditioned guest rooms, including Z Single, Double and Queen, all offering free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an onsite cafe, the Z Cafe, a 24-hour front desk, and a place to store luggage. The average cost for a standard room is from £60 per night, and the hotel offers a range of room options. For more information regarding the hotel, please visit the Z Hotel website (https://www.thezhotels.com/hotels/piccadilly/)
- The Hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden Hotel (///logo.trap.thick) is situated in the heart of London’s theatreland. Located in St Martin’s Lane, guests are a short walk to Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Place and the many museums and landmarks. The Hub by Premier Inn is a three-star hotel with 163 air-conditioned guest rooms and suites offering free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an onsite restaurant, 24-hour front desk, check-in, security, and a facility to store luggage. The average cost for a standard room is around £120 per night, and the hotel offers a range of room options. For more information regarding the hotel, please visit the Hub by Premier Inn website (https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/hub-london-covent-garden.html)
- The Cherry Rooms (///paint.slug.spray) is located in Tower Hamlets, close to Mile End and the City of London. The boutique guest house is close to many transport routes, making it quick and easy to get around London. The Cherry Rooms is a 3.5-star property with 13 air-conditioned single, double and family rooms with ensuite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The guest house offers an onsite bar, tea and coffee-making facilities and meals from the common area. The average cost for a standard room is £70 per night, and the guest house offers a range of room options. For more information regarding the guest house, please visit the Cherry Rooms website (https://thecherry-e3.co.uk/hotel/)
For good reason, London is iconic and has long been a popular tourist destination. The large and ancient city has a vast number of monuments, points of interest and history around every corner. Though most visitors to London tend to stay in the central west end and the city of London, with its extensive transport system and history, exploring the boroughs will showcase all that London has to offer. London has something for everyone, and though considered a weekend city break, visitors keep coming back time and time again to explore and experience the city in its entirety. Modern London is a diverse city, a melting pot of culture, art, fashion, and music, and there are many free things to see and do. If you are looking for a destination that never fails to disappoint, then London should be high on your city break list.
Buckingham Palace (///fence.gross.bats) is the official royal residence of the Monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in Westminster, on the west end of London, the palace is made up of 775 rooms, has a post office, cinema, swimming pool, and medical facility, and sits on 7 hectares or 42 acres of gardens and a lake. The palace was built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham and was later acquired by King George III in 1761; since then, it has been the official London residence of the Monarch. Whenever the Monarch is home, the Royal Standard is flown above the palace and is open to visitors between July and September. Tickets, on average, cost £30 for adults and £15 for children, and visiting times start from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Thursdays to Mondays. For more information, please visit the official Royal Collection Trust website (https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace)
Tower Bridge and the Tower of London (///swift.blitz.funds) are two iconic landmarks within the London skyline that are close to one another. Tower Bridge is an 800-foot or 240-meter-tall bascule and suspension bridge and is one of the most recognisable bridges and landmarks in London. Over 40,000 people use the bridge daily, and it is free to visit; however, an exhibition is housed in the Twin Towers, which is known as the Tower Bridge Exhibition. For more information, visit the Tower Bridge website (https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/). The Tower of London is a royal palace and fortress. The tower is steeped in history, from its construction in 1066 to the site of many significant historic events, such as the execution of Queen Mary of Scotland and Anne Boleyn, and housing Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh. Today, visitors can explore the building and many sections of the tower and visit the Jewel House to view the crown jewels of the Monarch. The Tower of London is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and an adult ticket costs an average of £34 per person. For more information, visit the Tower of London website (https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/)
Westminster Abbey (///scarf.rainy.guises) is an Anglican church in the City of Westminster in the west end of London. The Abbey is 101 feet or 31 meters tall and occupies an area of 32,000 square feet or 3,000 square meters. It has been the site of many English and British monarchs’ coronations and royal weddings. The UNESCO World Heritage designated site was constructed in 1066 and is still a working church with daily services held in the mornings and evenings. Visitors can purchase tickets to explore the Abbey on Mondays until Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. until 3 p.m.; the average cost is £29 per adult. For more information, visit the Westminster Abbey website (https://www.westminster-abbey.org/)
Greenwich Observatory and Park (///oval.blast.improving) is a 30-minute train or DLR journey that will take you from the city centre to Greenwich in the South Eastern part of London. Greenwich Park is one of the royal parks of London and covers an area of 180 acres or 74 hectares. The park was gifted to the crown in 1427, and today, it has over three thousand trees, some over 400 years old. Within the park, you will find the Royal Observatory, a small plaza marking the site of the reference prime meridian line. The park is free to visit, and within the vicinity, you will also find the National Maritime Museum, Rangers House, the former Royal Naval College and the Queen’s House. The park is open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day, and for more information about Greenwich Park, visit the Royal Parks website (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/greenwich-park)
Natural History Museum (///bland.mutual.dose) is located in South Kensington and receives over 4.7 million visitors each year. The iconic building and distinctive facade house over 80 million items from natural history in five collections (botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and zoology) and covers an area of five acres. Since its establishment in 1881, it has grown to include many collections, such as specimens collected by Charles Darwin and an exhibition of dinosaur skeletons. The museum is free to visit; however, there are a number of exhibitions that take place throughout the year that will incur an entry cost. The Natural History Museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. For more information, visit the Natural History Museum website (https://www.nhm.ac.uk/)
London is one of the most diverse cities in Europe and is home to one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities. The United Kingdom is progressive in many areas; today, the community have the right to marry, there is a comprehensive anti-discrimination law in place, and society’s attitude towards the LGBTQIA+ community is much more inclusive and accepting. The acceptance of the community can be seen across London, and though there are hot spots, you can often find community bars, clubs and retail stores in nearly all of the boroughs. Old Compton Street is a historic and popular destination in London’s central Soho neighbourhood. Between London’s Chinatown and main shopping areas, Oxford Street and Regent Street, Soho has long been an area for actors and artists, home to London’s theatreland. Today, Old Compton Street still has many gay bars and restaurants, but it is not the only place to experience London’s gay scene.
One of the most famous clubs in London is known as Heaven and is located underneath the arches in Villiers Street beneath London Charing Cross station. Heaven is one of the biggest and most famous gay clubs in London, and it has been around since the late 1970s. Today, it is enjoyed by both the community and straight partygoers looking for a fun night out. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is the oldest surviving gay venue in London. It is located in London’s Vauxhall area and is a popular destination for those looking for more of a bar or pub setting. Even though the Coronavirus pandemic affected the hospitality industry, over fifty specific LGBTQIA+ bars and clubs across the boroughs and hundreds more actively welcome the community through their inclusive environments or themed nights. Popular areas for the community are Vauxhall, Bethnal Green, Clapham, Dalston, Haggerston, Kennington and Tower Hamlets.
London has long been a popular destination for international tourists and the LGBTQIA+ community. With a long history and many instantly recognisable landmarks, monuments and sites, the city does not fail to disappoint. A short journey in any direction from the centre of London will take you to any of London’s boroughs, where you will often find even more things to do and see. The UK has a good and usually reliable transport infrastructure, so getting around the city and across the country quickly and easily and keeping a close eye on offers and promotions can make public transport affordable. For example, many rail companies offer group discounts for travellers of 3 or more, and there are many railcards available that often offer 1/3 off the standard ticket price. For most people, walking in some of the more historical areas is the best way to see the city, as you will often discover little alleyways, quaint bars, pubs and landmarks you did not even know existed.
Whether a city break or incorporated into a much larger travel itinerary, London is one of those destinations that you can keep visiting and never fully explore all the city has to offer. London has a unique vibe, and even though the city can often be loud, the number of quiet spots and green spaces to take some time out to relax is surprising. Londoners have the reputation of sometimes being a little standoffish, which can be accurate with some people. In reality, most often, their demeanour or how they come across does not always represent who they are. If you need help or advice, many will be more than happy to help and come across as friendly when approached. Most Londoners have an outward demeanour because they are often in their zone, getting from A to B and zoning out what is happening around them.
London is truly a beautiful city; though it can be expensive, it is surprising the number of things there are to do for free and within tourist spots; with a bit of research, you will often find discounts and offers that can bring down the cost for many attractions. The city has a unique vibe, and walking through central London and the many boroughs, you can’t help but feel the history and be aware of how stunning and welcoming London is for visitors and residents alike.
One of the most famous clubs in London is known as Heaven and is located underneath the arches in Villiers Street beneath London Charing Cross station. Heaven is one of the biggest and most famous gay clubs in London, and it has been around since the late 1970s. Today, it is enjoyed by both the community and straight partygoers looking for a fun night out. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is the oldest surviving gay venue in London. It is located in London’s Vauxhall area and is a popular destination for those looking for more of a bar or pub setting. Even though the Coronavirus pandemic affected the hospitality industry, over fifty specific LGBTQIA+ bars and clubs across the boroughs and hundreds more actively welcome the community through their inclusive environments or themed nights. Popular areas for the community are Vauxhall, Bethnal Green, Clapham, Dalston, Haggerston, Kennington and Tower Hamlets.
London has long been a popular destination for international tourists and the LGBTQIA+ community. With a long history and many instantly recognisable landmarks, monuments and sites, the city does not fail to disappoint. A short journey in any direction from the centre of London will take you to any of London’s boroughs, where you will often find even more things to do and see. The UK has a good and usually reliable transport infrastructure, so getting around the city and across the country quickly and easily and keeping a close eye on offers and promotions can make public transport affordable. For example, many rail companies offer group discounts for travellers of 3 or more, and there are many railcards available that often offer 1/3 off the standard ticket price. For most people, walking in some of the more historical areas is the best way to see the city, as you will often discover little alleyways, quaint bars, pubs and landmarks you did not even know existed.
Whether a city break or incorporated into a much larger travel itinerary, London is one of those destinations that you can keep visiting and never fully explore all the city has to offer. London has a unique vibe, and even though the city can often be loud, the number of quiet spots and green spaces to take some time out to relax is surprising. Londoners have the reputation of sometimes being a little standoffish, which can be accurate with some people. In reality, most often, their demeanour or how they come across does not always represent who they are. If you need help or advice, many will be more than happy to help and come across as friendly when approached. Most Londoners have an outward demeanour because they are often in their zone, getting from A to B and zoning out what is happening around them.
London is truly a beautiful city; though it can be expensive, it is surprising the number of things there are to do for free and within tourist spots; with a bit of research, you will often find discounts and offers that can bring down the cost for many attractions. The city has a unique vibe, and walking through central London and the many boroughs, you can’t help but feel the history and be aware of how stunning and welcoming London is for visitors and residents alike.
Are you planning a trip to the United Kingdom? Gayther’s travel guides provide all the essential travel information, useful translations and LGBTQIA+-specific information. Gayther guides provide you with all the information you need when planning your trip.
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